Madeleine…deceptive and addictive
I passed 46 years on this earth before I ate a madeleine. Oh, such a sorrowful waste of time. Since I purchased Dorie Greenspan’s Baking book this summer I make them often and I always double the recipe…they are that popular around here. The deceptive aspect of a madeleine is that it looks so chic, so sophisticated…so it must be difficult to make, right? Not so, mon frere!
They begin as a simple batter that improves with an overnight stay in the refrigerator. Then after brushing the madeleine tin with butter, and a dusting of flour, you plop the thick batter into the molds without worry about evenly spreading the batter or anything… they smooth out, puff up, and fill the scalloped shells so well that it’s magical. When they’re done (10-12 minutes) you bang the pan on the counter and they tumble out…golden brown, fragrant with butter and vanilla.
They’re addictive because of that slight, crisp crunch they have on their edges. Then the outer firm texture gives way to a tender, dry (but not too dry) cake interior with a superb crumb and texture. For me, madeleines represent the best aspects of cake…without any of the drawbacks like sticky frosting, under-baked centers, and over-baked edges.
Alas, there will be no recipe for these lovelies…I actually follow Dorie’s recipe to the letter. If you have the book…make them, if not then buy it or check it out from your local library.
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5 Responses to “Madeleine…deceptive and addictive”
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Yum! What a nice treat with a good cup of just about any hot beverage. And what is that adorable plate peeking through?!?
Oh, delicious! Thanks for plugging the library as well. :)
My husband has been making the madeleines from Dorie’s book, too. I think they are just perfect!
Lisa, their really tasty with hot apple cider spiked with Armagnac, That is a Brock of California dessert plate. I have an almost complete set that I picked up in a thrift store in California.Years ago I was into collecting cool dishes.
Nichole, the library is fabulous…where would I be without? Obviously poorer buried alive under an increasing pile of books.
Lydia, if only my husband could bake.
Beautiful! Dropped by after seeing you post about blogging at serious eats. Looking forward to wandering around here!